A Wydad Athletic Club player has expressed his gratitude to Rulani Mokwena for the opportunity the South African gave him at the record Moroccan champions.
Check Out: North African Giants 'Make Decision' On Rulani
After featuring as a prominent figure during Nasreddine Nabi’s lone season as AS FAR Rabat boss, El Mehdi Benabid was relegated to the bench this past campaign. The shot-stopper only played four league matches for the Royal Army during the first half of the Botola Pro Inwi.
That was until Mokwena insisted on his acquisition during the 2024/25 mid-season transfer window. The 27-year-old made his debut for the Red Castle in February against Hassania d'Agadir and has since established himself as the club’s number one goalkeeper.
Benabid has now credited Mokwena for the decision to bring him in and for the faith he showed in him.
"Coach Mokwena was responsible for my joining Wydad Athletic Club. He was the one who insisted to the officials that I join the team, and he gave me indescribable confidence, especially after the period I spent with the Royal Army,” the goalkeeper said, as per El Botola.
“It's not easy for any coach to trust you when you haven't played many matches, so I would like to thank him (Mokwena), the management, the players and the fans for the welcome, and this is something that forces you to give your best."
The South African has, however, since vacated his head coaching role at Wydad, with Mohamed Amine Benhachem replacing him. The Rabat native believes the new appointment has reinvigorated the dressing room.
"With the coach's arrival, we managed to achieve three victories, and the results speak for themselves. He brought a new spirit to the team, which is why we achieved three consecutive victories and finished the season in third place."
He also pulled back the curtain on what it is like being named one of Wydad’s captains, as the club prepares to compete at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Check Out: Mosimane To Zamalek? Latest 'Revealed'
"Sharing leadership is a huge responsibility, and I will do everything I can to gain his trust and be able to shoulder this responsibility,” he added.
